Emperor

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Emperor

Sonnet

The Course of Empire Desolation 1836 — Thomas Cole

How rich are Thy silences, how splendid Thy muteness,
Memory of Thy presences shimmers in Thy absences,
Such revelry in Thy disregard or even if Thou doth discard,
I hear Thy sweet music’s heart even in Thy refusal’s art.

Oh I have grown now, shall plead with Thee no more,
For I have known Thy love, always its ardour does impose.
What cares have I to rue, what assertions to prove,
For Thy hand was on me, am entrenched in Thy groove.

On my thought and my bone is etched Thy splendid name,
Am never lost in Time’s lanes nor lose in Chance’s game.
Thou art woven inextricably in my blood and sinew,
Am motioned inevitably by Thy nights and dawns new.

O Emperor, of my soul the Master, by Thy reign
I live and breathe and savour Thy facets divine.